Scott Elms questions LNP preselection "delay"

DAVID Gibson's nemesis, Scott Elms, yesterday questioned an apparent delay in the LNP preselection process for the Gympie electorate, after Mr Gibson announced he would not be contesting his seat at the next state election.

The LNP announced the opening of nominations for candidates for 12 LNP-held seats around the Brisbane area.

Mr Elms said his understanding was that the LNP traditionally acted quickly after a sitting member announced retirement.

But LNP communications manager Matt Dunstan said the party was engaging in a normal process of assessing nominations "in batches".

Gympie would get its turn, he said.

Mr Elms recently exposed details of Mr Gibson's criminal past, despite Mr Gibson's not having had a conviction recorded at the time.

Mr Gibson announced that associated stress had caused him to suffer "a nervous breakdown".

Parliament heard yesterday from Speaker Fiona Simpson that Mr Gibson was now on extended sick leave until May 30.